The 2018 Excelencias Awards Delivered in Havana

On February 20th, in a night overflowed with the best art offered by some of the most brilliant artists in Cuba, hundreds of people who came to the Covarrubias Hall in the Havana’s National Theater enjoyed a Tribute Gala that paid homage to Havana in its 500th anniversary and to one of the genius of the Cuban culture: Benny More.

As it has happened since 2010, a group of personalities and institutions at the service of culture and people were honored with the Excelencias Awards Cuba 2018 in recognition of not only their work —necessary and everlasting— but also the “magic” in them.

Hence, amid warm applause, Excelencias Group President Jose Carlos de Santiago presented the distinguished award to the mentor of generations Jose Ramon Artigas who has made valuable contributions (both in television and in directing major shows) to the national culture, always seeking the true art, not fatuous. The same goes to Enrique Perez Mesa, director of the National Symphony Orchestra of Cuba and worthy heir of the most outstanding traditions of musical directors.

Ivan Giroud, president of the most important cinema event in Cuba; German Muñoz, cornerstone in the development of circus traditions in our nation as well as the creation of the much applauded Compañia Havana, and prima ballerina and deputy artistic director of the National Ballet of Cuba Viengsay Valdes —committed to promote and maintain the quality and worldwide recognition of the Cuban ballet— were also honored with the Excelencias Awards 2018.

As advertised, two new categories were presented: Premio Verde and Premio Azul (Green and Blue Awards). This time, Nils Navarro Pacheco won the Blue Award for her book Guia de las Aves Endemicas de Cuba from the Viñales Valley. According to experts, this is a comprehensive field guide of endemic birds of the Caribbean. 

Another relevant moment was the presentation of the Excelencias Awards 2018 to one of the most outstanding personalities of the Cuban culture: Zenaida Castro Romeu, founder and leader of Camerata Romeu, globally unique celebrating its 25th anniversary and perfect example of the very great artistic strength of our women.

Eliades Ochoa, genuine in his professional work and essential name of the Cuban music, was also honored in the gala where Los Van Van Orchestra —created by Juan Formell 50 years ago— was awarded as well with the Excelencias Award.

Likewise, architect Lazaro Morgado and Casa Araña may show proudly the award presented by the Excelencias Group after building in Trinidad a house where modern and ancient styles are combined.

The Special Award was presented to Havana, one of the world’s most sung and dreamed city. It was the Award to the Wonder City for its 500th anniversary.